Representing Victims of Commercial Vehicle Crashes in Peterborough
Truck accidents are some of the most devastating and deadly motor vehicle collisions that occur on the roadways. These accidents often result in severe injuries and fatalities, as well as significant property damage. If you or someone you love was involved in a truck accident in Peterborough, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages.
At Upton & Hatfield, LLP, we can help you understand your rights and options, and we will fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. Our Peterborough truck accident attorneys have been serving the community since 1908, and we have a long history of success in even the most complex personal injury cases. We are prepared to put our experience to work for you.
Call our office at (603) 634-9560 or contact us online to request a free initial consultation with one of our truck accident lawyers in Peterborough, NH.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
A truck accident refers to any collision or incident involving a commercial truck, which typically includes large vehicles such as tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, or delivery trucks. These accidents can result in significant damage, injuries, and even fatalities due to the size and weight of the trucks involved.
Common types of truck accidents include:
Rear-end collisions: These occur when a truck collides with the vehicle in front of it. Factors such as sudden stops, inadequate following distance, or distracted driving can contribute to rear-end collisions.
Jackknife accidents: A jackknife accident happens when the trailer of a truck swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. This can occur due to braking too hard or sudden maneuvers, causing the trailer to lose traction.
Underride accidents: In these accidents, a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck, often resulting in severe damage to the smaller vehicle and significant injuries to its occupants.
Rollover accidents: Trucks are more prone to rollover accidents due to their high center of gravity. Factors such as speeding, sharp turns, or uneven road conditions can contribute to a truck tipping over.
Blind spot accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, especially on the right side and behind the trailer. Accidents can occur when smaller vehicles are in these blind spots, and the truck driver is unaware of their presence while changing lanes or making turns.
Wide-turn accidents: Trucks require more space to make turns, and drivers may not be aware of vehicles alongside them. This can lead to collisions when a truck swings wide while turning.
Tire blowouts: Blowouts of truck tires can result in loss of control and accidents. Improper maintenance, overloading, or manufacturing defects can contribute to tire failures.
Cargo-related accidents: Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can shift during transit, leading to accidents. Cargo spills can also create hazardous road conditions.
Mechanical failures: Brake failures, steering problems, or other mechanical issues can lead to accidents if not properly addressed through regular maintenance.
Drowsy driving accidents: Long hours on the road, tight schedules, and demanding delivery timelines can contribute to truck driver fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. In many cases, these accidents are the result of negligence on the part of the truck driver and/or the trucking company. However, other parties may also be at fault.
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
Truck driver fatigue
Drunk or drugged driving
Distracted driving
Speeding
Reckless driving
Tailgating
Improper lane changes
Failure to yield the right of way
Defective truck parts
Improperly loaded cargo
Poor truck maintenance
Inclement weather
Defective roadway design
And more
Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?
Truck accident claims are often more complex than other types of motor vehicle accident claims. This is because there are often multiple parties involved in the operation of a commercial truck, and determining liability can be challenging. At Upton & Hatfield, LLP, we have extensive experience handling truck accident cases, and we know how to investigate these claims to determine who is at fault.
Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties may be liable for a truck accident:
The truck driver
The trucking company
The truck owner
The truck manufacturer
The cargo loading company
The truck maintenance company
The truck parts manufacturer
The government entity responsible for maintaining the roadway
Our Peterborough truck accident lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of your accident and gather the necessary evidence to prove liability. We can also help you understand the full extent of your damages and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.
What Damages Are Available in a Truck Accident Claim?
If you were involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. In New Hampshire, there are two types of damages that may be available in a truck accident claim: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are intended to compensate the victim for their financial losses, such as:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Property damage
And more
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate the victim for their non-financial losses, such as:
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement
And more
In some cases, the court may also award the victim punitive damages. Punitive damages are not intended to compensate the victim for their losses. Instead, they are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter others from engaging in similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are only available in cases where the at-fault party acted with gross negligence, recklessness, or intent to harm.
Why Choose Upton & Hatfield, LLP?
At Upton & Hatfield, LLP, we are committed to helping truck accident victims recover the full, fair compensation they are owed. We know that truck accident claims are often complex, and we know how to navigate the legal process to help our clients secure the best possible outcome in their cases.
When you choose our firm, you can expect the following and more:
Compassionate, personalized legal services
Aggressive advocacy from start to finish
Open and honest communication
Responsive, accessible attorneys
Strategic, effective legal counsel
Strong representation in settlement negotiations and at trial
Our team is available to answer your questions and address your concerns throughout the legal process. We will keep you informed about any developments in your case and provide you with the information you need to make well-informed decisions every step of the way.
“I was very fortunate to have Upton & Hatfield represent me. Could not of asked for a better experience. I highly recommend using Upton & Hatfield. A++”
